掃
掃·sweep, clean
- On-yomi
- ソウ
- Kun-yomi
- は(く)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 掃除 | そうじ | cleaning, sweeping |
| 掃く | はく | to sweep |
| 掃除機 | そうじき | vacuum cleaner |
| 清掃 | せいそう | cleaning, sanitation |
Example sentences
毎朝、教室を掃除します。
まいあさ、きょうしつをそうじします。
We clean the classroom every morning.
母が庭を掃いている。
はははにわをはいている。
My mother is sweeping the garden.
掃除機の音がうるさくて電話が聞こえない。
そうじきのおとがうるさくてでんわがきこえない。
The vacuum cleaner is so loud I can't hear the phone.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 掃く as そうく — the kun reading is はく
- Confusing 掃く (sweep) with 履く (wear on the feet), both はく
Memory aid
Picture it
A hand (扌) holding a broom (帚) — sweeping the floor.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 掃 mean?